1. Program Number: LB239
Influence of Maternal Dietary Variety and Socio-demographic Characteristics on Low Birth Weight of Neonates in the Cape-Coast Metropolis
Dan Yedu Quansah 1, Hei Yang1, Daniel Boateng3 , Hyojee Joung1,2*
1Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 2Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, 3Julius Global Health, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
INTRODUCTION
RESULTS
RESULTS
Table 1. Association of Socio-demographic factors and birth weight
Figure 1. Odds Ratio of LBW by Socio-demographic and Lifestyle Factors
Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in fetal growth, development and birth outcomes including birth weight and Apgar score. Research shows a strong positive relationship between adequate maternal nutrition and positive birth outcomes. This relationship has been much more inconsistent in human studies due to factors such as poor maternal dietary variety and socio-demographic factors.
Improved maternal Dietary variety and socio-demographic characteristics could influence maternal nutrient adequacy to improve neonatal birth weight.
Variables
No.. of Subjects
No. of LBW (%)
P-Value
Age
<20years
20 -30
30+ 16
322 82
6(37.5)
162(50.3)
16(19.5)
0.000
Education
No formal
Primary/JSS
SHS
Tertiary 68
157 67
128
41(60.3)
69(43.9)
16(23.9)
58(45.3)
Employment
Yes No
289
131
114(39.4)
70(53.4)
0.007
Marital status
Single
Married
Co-habiting
142
248 30
82(57.7)
82(33.1)
20(66.7)
Monthly income (GHS)
</=300
500+
215 83
116
109(50.7)
47(56.6)
28(24.1)
Birth order 1
2-3 4+
236
141 43
124(52.5)
47(33.3)
13(30.2)
Number of births 2 3+
239
106 75
124(51.9)
25(23.6)
35(46.7)
Weight gain (12kg)
<12
12+
321 99
145(45.2)
29(29.3)
0.034
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal dietary variety and socio-demographic factors on birth weight of neonates delivered at the Cape Coast Regional Hospital in the Cape coast metropolis of Ghana.
SUBJECTS & METHODS
Design: Cross-sectional
Subjects
420 mothers who delivered at the Cape Coast Regional Hospital
Data collection tool
A semi structured questionnaire
Anthropometric variables
Maternal weight during pregnancy
Determined by subtracting weight at first ANC and that of last ANC prior to delivery.
Neonatal Birth Weight
Recorded after birth with the help of hospital delivery team. Neonates with birth weight < 2,500g classified as low birth weight infants.
Dietary variety information
Obtained using the FAO dietary diversity questionnaire. The score was calculated by summing the number of food groups consumed throughout the period of pregnancy.
Data Analysis
Univariable associations tested using chi-square. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of low birth weight.
*p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001; AOR=Adjusted Odds Ratio *LBW means Low Birth Weight
CONCLUSION
Maternal dietary variety and socio-demographic characteristics are associated with low birth weight of neonates. Improving maternal lifestyles such as healthy eating and increased dietary diversity score can be recommended to promote neonatal health in the study area.
*P-values based on Chi-square test. *LBW means Low Birth Weight
Table 2. Association of Food Diversity with Low Birth Weight
Number of food groups eaten
Daily
% Low birth weight
p-value
OR [95% CI]
One
Two
Three
Four
Five or more
46.9
54.1
45.9
43.9
34.6
0.149
1.67 [0.89, 3.14]
2.23 [1.17, 4.24]*
1.61 [0.88, 2.95]
1.48 [0.86, 2.55]
1.00
*Corresponding author: Prof. Hyojee, Joung. (
* P-value based on Chi-square test